Holiday Gift Ideas - 2020

 Here are some gift suggestions for the beauty lovers in your life!

Crayola DIY Pour Paint

Pour out a colorful masterpiece with Crayola Washable Paint Pour Art Set! Paint pouring is the fun, easy way for even novice painters to achieve beautiful works of art. And there’s no cause to worry either with the included less-mess paint tray. Even the occasional “oops” is no problem with Crayola Washable Paint. It’s a truly magical and fun art activity for kids and adults! Features (10) 2 oz Paints (5 colors), (3) 6 x 6 Canvases, Paint Tray, Beaker, Pouring Base, Strainer, and 3 Stir Sticks. Once you've decorated the 3 included canvases, refill your collection to keep the fun going! This paint set works with any standard painting canvas (sold separately).

My kids had a BLAST with this art project. I rarely let them get "messy" so this was so much fun for them. I've actually been wanting to try pour paint myself so we all got involved with this art project.

My youngest went first (age 4) and picked green, blue and white and this Earth-like print was the result. It was really easy to do and the instructions were easy to follow (which I've summarized below):

1. Mix paint and water

2. Pour into a cup (layer the paint colors. We did blue, green then white)

3. Pour cup of paint out on canvas and start tilting the canvas to spread the paint around. EASY!

 

Buy it here: https://go.magik.ly/ml/12yzb/

Thank you to CRAYOLA for a chance to try out this fun art set!

Unique Gift Ideas

I realize that much of my Youtube page's content is dedicated to makeup, skincare and overall beauty, but I wanted to provide you with some non-beauty gift ideas for the people on your list. Perhaps there's a gym buff you're having a hard time shopping for, or a creative child that already seems to have everything, or a busy mom on the go who always has her hands full, and you just don't know what to get them. Check out these great unique gift ideas below:

The first gift suggestion would be bags. In this eco-friendly day and age, people are always looking for ways to re-use and re-cycle and preserve the world we live in, so why not buy some re-usable shopping bags or totes. I feel like I NEVER have enough tote bags. I take them when I run errands, to the beach, to play dates, for overnight excursions (pre-COVID of course) and more. I feel like everyone I know could always use a tote bag!

If you have any little ones on your shopping list and you're stumped on gift ideas, then I'd check out this next idea. They are crayons shaped like letters. These crayon letters spell out the child's name. I know all three of my kiddos love anything  customized AND they also all love to color and be creative. It would be the perfect gift for any artsy kids on your list, and it would likely keep them very busy for quite awhile!

If you have someone on your list that loves healthy eating, or protein shakes, or shakes in general, then you need to check this out. It's the magic bullet. It's a system of caps with blades and cups that lock into a motor. You simply fill the cups with fruit/ice etc, cap it, and lock into the motor and it purees your shake. Easy! My husband and I actually have 2 sets of these and we use them almost every day. My husband is a gym buff and makes protein shakes in it. I prefer to do cardio at home and follow with a fruit smoothie. The kids love banana swirl (pureed frozen banana with some cinnamon). It's fast and easy to clean! I have even pureed soups in this and made baby food with it. So many uses for this product. I love it and I think your friends and family would too!

I hope you enjoyed hearing a few of my unique gift ideas, and hopefully it made your holiday shopping a little easier this year.

This blog post was sponsored by Responsival

NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible Gift Set For Girls - GREAT GIFT IDEA!

Created especially for girls ages 8 to 12, this beautiful Bible, sticker sheets and coloring pencil set provides the tools for young artists to express themselves. 

Girls will get creative through coloring and journaling in the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls. Included are pencils to color, blend and shade the detailed line art surrounding hundreds of inspiring verses. This Bible gift set is perfect for the special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith.

Features include:

 Complete text of the accurate, readable and clear New International Version (NIV)

 Over 600 verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art

 Four colored pencils

 Six sheets of stickers designed for girls

 Thick white paper for writing and doodling

 Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections

 Satin ribbon marker

 Beautifully debossed and screen-printed cover

 Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface in a readable 8-point print size

I can't wait to give this to my daughter when she's a little older. For one, she LOVES to draw and color. It's her absolute favorite thing to do. Given the choice, that's what she would pick over almost anything. Second she didn't have exposure to faith and the Bible for the first 5 years of her life, so these stories are still somewhat new to her, and she loves reading them and discovering new characters and miracles.  Third, it's full of beautiful pictures, so who wouldn't love that?

Buy it here: 

https://www.zondervan.com/p/beautiful-word-bible-for-girls/coloring/#new

#beautifulwordgiftset  #FlyBy

Many thanks to Telling Ministries LLC and HCCP for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

GIVEAWAY: Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler

I was recently sent the Amber Vale Home holiday sampler to try out, and I have to say they smell amazing!

One has that evergreen wintery scent that you imagine when you think of winter in the woods. One is a mint chocolate and it smells EXACTLY like mint cocoa (which I'm obsessed with by the way), and the third smells lightly sweet like whipped cream, but not overpoweringly so.

They have wooden wicks and are made from a soy-coconut blend. They are great for holiday decorating or gift ideas. Most people I know would love getting delicious smelling candles as a gift!

WIN IT: Win a sampler

HOW TO ENTER:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventure Bible: Polar Exploration

With over 9 million copies sold, the Adventure Bible brand is beloved by Christian
schools, churches, and families alike. Now, the #1 Bible for kids, including all of the
trusted essentials loved by parents, is available in an exciting polar exploration
theme!

Ready for a frosty Adventure? Embark on a fun, exciting trek through God’s Word
with the NIV Adventure Bible, now in an all-new polar exploration theme! While on
this arctic adventure, readers meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and
learn all kinds of facts about the Bible. And most importantly you’ll grow closer in
your relationship with God.

Features of the NIV Adventure Bible, Polar Exploration Edition include:

•             The same trusted Adventure Bible content in a frosty new theme
•             Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes
throughout make learning about the Bible even more engaging
•             Life in Bible Times—Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in
ancient days
•             Words to Treasure—Highlights great verses to memorize
•             Did You Know?—Interesting facts help you understand God’s Word and the
life of faith
•             People in Bible Times—Articles offer close-up looks at amazing people of
the Bible

•             Live It!—Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
•             Twenty polar-themed pages focus on topics such as how to know you are a
Christian, famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, and how to pray.
•             Book introductions feature arctic art and important information about each
book of the Bible
•             Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words
•             Color map section to help locate places in the Bible
•             Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible
•             Thrilling new glacial cover on metallic paper

My son has been obsessed with polar animals lately - penguins, arctic fox, polar bears, seals etc, so he will be thrilled to open this on Christmas morning! It's a gift I know he'll look forward to reading.

Crayola Color Wonder On The Go Sets

Ideal for mess-free coloring wherver you are, Crayola Color Wonder On The Go sets allow kids to fully express themselves without making a mess. With its compact size and ability to snap shut, this kit lets kids get creative no matter where they are! Crayola Color Wonder On The Go titles draw inspiration from popular franchises and characters including Disney Princess, Shimmer and Shine, PJ Masks and Paw Patrol.

CONTENTS 

• 15 Mini Coloring Pages 
• Three Color Wonder Broad Line Markers 

My 4 year old loves to color, draw and decorate things and he especially loves PJ Mask and Paw Patrol, so he was thrilled when he got a package from Crayola. (Yes it said mommy's name on the package, but it was really for him ;-P) The markers were easy to cap and uncap, and were completely MESS FREE which made mommy very happy. They only produced color on these special pieces of paper. My son especially loved the hidden objects on the coloring sheets. He thought he would be coloring an entire section green only to realize there were white bones or white stars embedded in the paper that show up only when colored over. It was like magic for a four year old!

BENEFITS 

Mess Free Coloring: Color Wonder Markers appear only on Color Wonder paper, ensuring that clothes, furniture and walls stay clean 

• Compact Size: Perfect for small hands and packing light while on-the-go; the unit also snaps shut, storing the contents of the kit and allowing for quick clean-up, a must while traveling 
• Fuels Imaginative Play: Full of beloved Disney Princesses and characters from Shimmer and Shine, PJ Masks and Paw Patrol, these Color Wonder kits allow kids recreate the worlds of their favorite characters in their own colorful way and explore the power of their own imaginations 
• Compatible with Color Wonder Products: Compatible with all Color Wonder markers, paints and stamps, so kids can swap in their favorite colors from different sets to complete their next masterpiece

WHERE TO BUY 

• Suggested Retail Price: $4.99 
• Available at retailers nationwide

These would be PERFECT for road trips, or great additions to Easter baskets or just because gifts!

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE BEAUTY LOVERS

If you are looking for a beauty kit or palette, check out these Sephora Holiday Gift Ideas:




Or if you are looking for smaller ideas to fill a stocking, check out these great options:

Christmas is coming, are you ready??? @elfcosmetics makes it easy to find reasonably priced gifts for every makeup lover on your list. #elfcosmetics #playbeautifully #elfjoyandcheer #elfjoy&cheer #elfholiday #mattelips #holidaygiftidea #holidaygiftguide2016

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Nov 4, 2016 at 5:51am PDT

@lauragellerbeauty gilded honey!!! I finally cracked this open and used it today for the first time. I didn't want to mess up the beautiful gelato swirl design, but thankfully using it did not ruin the design. 😃 #beauty2share #lauragellergildedhoney

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Oct 28, 2016 at 11:49am PDT

Great on- the-go palette from @nyxcosmetics #nyxbeautyschooldropout #flatlay #flatlays #nyxcosmetics

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Oct 24, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

Trying one of the @nyxcosmetics liquid suedes from the vault today. It was the perfect color for todays look!!! Its called brooklyn thorn. 😍 #nyxcosmetics #nyxliquidsuede #mattelips

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Oct 21, 2016 at 12:10pm PDT

This little change purse by @buxtonleather is just too cute. This would make a great gift for a young girl in your life. Its style bxaug16-0061. Check it out! #holidaygiftidea #holidaygiftguide2016 #buxtonleather

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Oct 16, 2016 at 10:23am PDT

Looks can be deceiving, because this @lorealmakeup maroon/cranberry color but on the eye its a blackened wine color. See next pic. Looks so much brighter in package. Any suggestions for keeping this red color??? Ive heard such great things about these @lorealmakeup infallible shadows. #lorealmakeup #lorealinfallibleshadows

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Oct 6, 2016 at 12:17pm PDT

The packaging on this @stilacosmetics correct & perfect palette is stunningly beautiful. Its a gold compact with green/pink watercolor cover. Im in love 😍 (I haven't tried the product yet but the packaging alone is beautiful) #stilacosmetics #stilacorrectandperfectpalette #palettes #flatlays

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Sep 30, 2016 at 10:29am PDT

Look at these gorgeous shadows by @looxi_beauty #looxibeauty ❔❔❔❔have you tried them yet? Check out my latest YT video for a discount code 💲💲💲 ❔❔❔❔

A photo posted by 💄👗 Melinda 💅🏻🎨 (@melindajoy926) on Sep 29, 2016 at 12:38pm PDT

...Also for those of you who enjoy watching youtube videos on your phone or handheld device, how about some cordless bluetooth headphones? I love mine! Check out a great pair here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XVLG6ZX

What will you be adding to your holiday shopping list??? I'd love to hear. Leave a comment below ;-).

Valentine's Day Ideas/Deals

Third- or Half-Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-Karat White Gold from Diamond Connects (Up to 84% Off) $299 (value $1,835)

Individual or Couples Aromatherapy-Massage Package with Steam Shower at Rapunzel's Salon & Day Spa (Up to 53% Off) $45

Jewelry from Ice (Up to 60% Off). Two Options Available. $45

Star-Naming Gift Set with Option of Astronomy Software from Name A Star Live (Up to 63% Off) $14

L.E.D. Flashflight Flying Disc

For the Active Couple!! The L.E.D. Flashflight Flying Disc is the Perfect Gift!

For the lovebirds that plan to spend their date night outdoors...the L.E.D. Flashflight Flying Disc from Nite Ize makes the perfect gift. The Nite Ize Flashflight was designed by a professional Ultimate player, so it performs beautifully. Made of lightweight, durable materials, with true balance and long, straight flight, it weighs in at 185 grams and looks, feels, and flies like the highest quality non-illuminated discs. When the sun sets, enjoy a romantic game of catch! With a simple press of the switch, the Flashflight lights up with a long-life (100,000 hours) patented L.E.D. fiber-optic array that extends to its rim, so the entire disc is illuminated from every angle. Available in 4 bright colors, it provides endless hours of nighttime entertainment.

Price: $24.99
Visit http://www.niteize.com/

I think this is such a great idea. I can't even remember how many times I'd be at youth group and we'd be playing a game of frisbee outside and it would be cut short by the setting sun. This invention would have been perfect to have back then. I think it's perfect for families that like to stay active, and want to continue playing past dark.

Valentine Gifts from Victoria's Secret

This Valentine’s Day, pamper yourself with Victoria’s Secret Beauty gifts! From sweetly scented fragrances to the loveliest gift sets and treats, Victoria’s Secret has something for every woman in your life.
 
For the hopeless romantic…
Bombshell in Love captures the essence of falling in love at first sight. Luminous pink grapefruit, luscious peony and sensual sandalwood create instant passion and will have him falling in love all over again.

For the flirt…
Simply Gorgeous is irresistible and sultry. Crimson apple, sun kissed petals and velvet amber make you feel effortlessly sexy.


For the vixen…
Tease for Two Tease Party Sweet Seduction Kit includes edible treats that you and your sweetie are sure to enjoy.

For the girl who wants it all…
VS Fantasies Love Spell Must-have Gift Set includes our best-selling fragrance mist, lotion and wash in a perfectly packaged gift!


For the girl who loves to dream…
VS Fantasies Love to Kiss, Love to Dream and Love to Flirt Fragrance Mists are refreshing and seductive. What’s not to love?

Invisibelt

The invisibelt is a great invention. This flat, undetectable and adjustable belt instantly gives you a sleeker, slimmer look! 

From Invisibelt: "You know when you buy a pair of jeans that are just a little too big on the waist? Running to the tailor is a major time and money drain, and wearing an ordinary belt (ugh, that bulky buckle!) won't work either. Think about it, do you really want to put your favorite fitted top over the dreaded buckle bulge? We didn't -- so we invented the Invisibelt -- a smooth, undetectable belt with a flat clasp. Nicknamed the “No Buckle Belt” by its fans, the Invisibelt will help you look slim, finished and fabulous all day. It’s genius! You can thank us later."

What they say is true. Their Invisibelt keeps your pants up and fitting snugly, as they should, while allowing you to wear tops that fit right over your belt without the added layers of a belt buckle. While it isn't quite "invisible" it is a definite improvement. I wish I had more!

This is a great stocking stuffer to add to your shopping list!

Holiday Gift Idea: Capresso Espresso/Capuccino Machine

I recently had the chance to review the Capresso 4-cup Espresso/Cappuccino Machine. I found the machine very easy to use, even for the directionally challenged individual. Here are my pros and cons:

Pros
1) The machine has clearly marked pictures to assist the user
2) Do not have to worry about dealing with buttons and other forms of modern technology, sometimes simplicity is a good thing
3) Does not take up a lot of counter space
4) The steam pipe folds into the machine

Cons
1) The steam knob is on the side of the machine, would be helpful if located closer to the front

2) Cannot tell how much water is remaining in machine

Overall, I am satisfied with this product. It is simple, yet gets the job done. It is definitely worth the value, when compared to other cappuccino machines on the market.

disclaimer: sample product received for review

Moe's Place Dog Bandanas

5 Reasons to Give The Christmas Cheer Scout Dog Bandana

5) It’s fun! Personalize it with your dog’s name for lasting holiday memories. (Additional fee of $4.95 applies).

4) It’s easy! The Christmas Cheer Dog Bandana slides over buckle or adjustable collars and stays in place without the hassle of Velcro, ties, or snaps.

3) It’s stylish, comfortable, and fitted for your dog. The reversible Scout Style features a curved neckline in five sizes, from Petite to X-large. After all, your dog isn’t square or a “one size fits all!“

2) Experience Made In USA quality and care. Scouts are made with durable cotton or poly-cotton blend and trimmed in bias along the neckline. Machine wash, dry flat. Use gentle cycle if embellished.

1) When you give the Christmas Cheer Scout Dog Bandana, you’ll share the joy of the holidays with your cherished dog, your family, and less fortunate children. A portion of the proceeds from your dog’s Christmas Cheer Dog Bandana benefits Toy for Tots. Miracles On Earth isn’t just our brand, it’s our mission.TM

My Thoughts:

I think this is a really cute idea to let your pets in on the holiday fun. We have a santa costume for our one cat, and we love to tie ribbons around our dog's color to make her festive, so the dog bandana idea is a great one. I think Millie secretly loves the extra fuss and attention. :)

Price: $10.99

Visit http://www.moesplace.net/